Chapter 604 You Better Be Prepared
Asher avoided her gaze and lowered his head silently.
Sienna explained, “For the first few days, I assisted him in applying the medicine. However, he insisted on doing it himself later, not wanting to trouble me. Today, I insisted on helping him again, and that's when I discovered his injury had worsened.”
Gwendolyn immediately realized what had gone wrong. She narrowed her eyes and glared at Asher.
Asher continued to lower his gaze and avoided eye contact with her, displaying a hint of guilt.
It didn't take a genius to figure out what his attitude meant.
“Asher, did you deliberately not apply any medicine to your wound for the past few days?”
Asher coughed lightly, his gaze wavering as he spoke. “No. I did apply the medicine, but the wound is on my back. There's a possibility that I missed some areas, and somehow it got worse.”
Gwendolyn refused to believe his lie and retorted, “You refused Sienna's help in applying the medicine, yet you didn't properly apply it yourself or seek her assistance. What were you thinking neglecting your health so casually?”
Asher nodded in obedience and expressed remorse. “I apologize for causing you to worry.”
Gwendolyn was surprised to hear his apology. “Oh? You apologized swiftly this time. That caught me by surprise.” She paused as the last part of his apology sank in. She sat up in displeasure and glared at him. “No one is worried about you. You should bear the consequences of your actions and not let Sienna worry about you.”
Sienna burst out giggling, while Asher's lips curved in satisfaction.
Gwendolyn looked away and returned to the couch.
“The wound is showing signs of inflammation, so it's important to keep a close eye on it and prevent any infection. I'll call Kieran and get him to come and take a look.”
She tapped her phone screen, ready to make the call, but Asher quickly stopped her. “The gunshot wound isn't that severe. I'm used to wounds like this. Kieran is currently with his wife, so there's no need to bother him. I'll just take a couple of anti-inflammatory pills tonight.”
“It's been a week, and your wound hasn't shown any signs of improvement. I'm concerned that it will leave a scar. Kieran needs to examine it to ensure proper healing and prevent scarring.”
Asher was firm. “I don't want to remove the scar. Let it remain so I can look at it anytime I want.”
“Is this scar supposed to serve as a constant reminder that you got hurt because of me? Are you expecting me to feel guilty and forgive you quickly? Is that your intention?” Gwendolyn's tone turned cold.
Sienna's expression stiffened when she noted the sharpness of Gwendolyn's words. Unable to handle the tension any longer, she quickly fabricated an excuse and hurried downstairs to make coffee for Gwendolyn.
Both Asher and Gwendolyn were left alone in the room.
“Inflicting harm on yourself won't make me forgive you. Your actions only serve to fuel my anger. Torturing your own body is futile and serves no purpose,” Gwendolyn scolded Asher.
Asher nodded obediently as his lips curved up. Clearly, he was satisfied by her reaction.
Why would she get upset because I didn't apply the medicine properly? Why did she yell at me because I neglected my health? Does that mean she still cares about me and sees me as her elder brother? Since we were young, I've always been sincere in teaching her and showing my adoration. She still cares about me, right?
Asher was lost in his thoughts, but Gwendolyn's cold voice brought him back to reality. “Why are you not saying anything? Do you feel guilty because I'm right?”
He shook his head. “No, it's not about guilt. I want a scar, not to threaten you, but as a reminder of my commitment to protect you, my beloved sister. I want it to serve as a constant reminder that whenever you're in danger, I'll be there, ready to risk my life to keep you safe and make up for any guilt I feel.”
Hearing that he was willing to risk his life to save her, Gwendolyn fell silent.
That was what Asher had done back on the island.
Evelyn had fired the shot without hesitation, catching Gwendolyn off guard. In that split second, Asher's instincts kicked in, and he rushed toward her, positioning himself as a shield to take the bullet meant for her.
For the past year, he has been kneeling down to read the scripture, getting whipped, and torturing himself. He even saved me now. Is that enough to make up for his sins?
Complicated emotions swirled in Gwendolyn's heart, and she said nothing for a long time.
Asher broke the silence, attempting to win her over. “Kiddo, Sienna has gone downstairs. Can you help me apply the medicine?”
Gwendolyn snapped out of her reverie and went to Asher. Standing behind him, she opened the first-aid kit.
Asher flashed a satisfied grin as delight appeared in his gaze. He gently instructed Gwendolyn on the proper sequence of applying the medicine. “Clean the wound with the alcohol first, then apply the anti-inflammatory and anti-infection ointment and wrap it up with the bandage.”
Gwendolyn nodded and did as told.
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